Resources on Dementia for Children

Selected for Reading Well for Dementia 2024: endorsed by health experts, charities and people affected by dementia.

‘Sometimes, a person’s brain gets sick with a disease called dementia.’

What does dementia do to the brain? What changes might we notice if a parent or grandparent has the disease? How might we feel about it and what can help?

This book breaks down misconceptions about dementia and speaks directly to children aged under 5 about the realities of the disease, using age appropriate language in an engaging and informative way. It reassures parents of the value of open and honest conversation about the challenges raised by dementia and offers advice and support in the opening ‘Guide for grown ups’. It includes a diverse audience of characters, to emphasize that ANY child can be impacted by dementia in their loved ones. Unlike traditional storybooks, the ending provides a question for the adult and child reading it to ponder together.

Please Explain Alzheimer’s Disease to Me introduces the condition to children in a colorful, sensitive and gentle story, followed by a parent/caregiver section that supplies comprehensive information that adults can use to understand and plan for the course of the disease affecting their loved one. Dr. Zelinger, a board-certified psychologist for children, presents the situation to children in a warm, developmentally appropriate way using appealing characters of diversity, child friendly language and familiar scenes they can relate to, as well as scripts that parents can use when speaking to their child. This book is more than a helpful guide-it’s the only book you will need if you have a child who is asking, “What’s wrong with grandpa?”
Children will:
Enjoy the story and illustrations and will identify with the main characters
Get answers to their questions
Grasp the nature and reason for a grandparent’s changes
Learn basic biological information about brain function
Understand why a grandparent will require more care
Feel empowered and find ways they can be helpful
Parents and caregivers will:
Have word-for-word scripts available to answer their child’s questions
Learn about the progression of the disease
Understand their role and the nature of care that is required
Gain information for decision-making in areas of medical, emotional and daily care
Know they are not alone in this difficult journey

“Dr. Zelinger has provided an engaging book that presents important information in a user-friendly format and offers adults the foundation for easily engaging children in what may initially seem like a very difficult discussion. I will be sure to recommend this resource to everyone I know in the ‘sandwich generation.'” — Shane S. Bush, Ph.D., ABPP, Board Certified in Geropsychology, President, American Board of Geropsychology

“Dr. Zelinger’s book helps take the mystery out of a truly mystifying disease. The children’s story will help reduce the anxiety and fear a child may have when faced with one suffering from Alzheimer’s, and the adult portion of this book gives practical examples to help guide the adult when questions arise. A truly informative and inspired book.” — Marilyn Cherney, occupational therapist; grandmother

“Dr. Zelinger takes a painful topic for both children and parents alike and turns it into a beautiful story and a detailed handbook that gives us the tools we need to broach a topic we all hope to never have to face. This book is a must-read for families facing the challenges that come along with a loved one experiencing Alzheimer’s disease.” — Avi Satt, president, Allegria Senior Living

“A very much-needed book to explain a difficult topic to our children and ourselves. Dr. Zelinger’s warmth, insight and clinical judgment shine through her every page! This is a superlative book that will get front row billing on my office bookshelf.” — Deborah Lief-Dienstag MD, FAAP, pediatrician

Hā Kūpuna, along with many community partners, proudly presents this short animated film of our storybook on dementia. This story is about a young girl, Pōmai. and her grandfather, Papa, who is exhibiting memory loss characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Pōmai’s family and the broader community come together to care for Papa and support each other. Learn about the many things young people can do to support loved ones living with dementia.

Hā Kūpuna, along with many community partners, proudly presents this short storybook about a young girl, Pōmai and her grandfather, Papa. In this story, Pōmai is worried as she sees Papa is beginning to show signs of dementia-related aging. Pōmai’s family (Papa included) and broader community comes together in support and care for one another. Learn about the many things young people can do with their loved ones living with dementia. Please read and share widely. You can now download a pdf copy for free at the link below. For hard copies please contact our coordinator, Shelley Muneoka at muneokas@hawaii.edu

Now available in both English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi!

A 2019 Schneider Family Award Honor Book!

What’s Happening to Grandpa meets Up in this tender, sensitive picture book that gently explains the memory loss associated with aging and diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

James’s Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. He has balloons showing Dad when he was young and Grandma when they were married. Grandpa has balloons about camping and Aunt Nelle’s poor cow. Grandpa also has a silver balloon filled with the memory of a fishing trip he and James took together.

But when Grandpa’s balloons begin to float away, James is heartbroken. No matter how hard he runs, James can’t catch them. One day, Grandpa lets go of the silver balloon—and he doesn’t even notice!

Grandpa no longer has balloons of his own. But James has many more than before. It’s up to him to share those balloons, one by one.

Watch Read Aloud Video on Youtube